Utah football: Backups to get most of work in Utes' scrimmage

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Utah's last scrimmage of fall camp will be an easy one for most of the veterans. Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said Saturday's scrimmage will feature mainly the younger players. The first- and second-string players have had enough and he doesn't want to risk injuring any of the main players, he said.

"It doesn't mean we have all the answers and have everything settled, but there is a fine line between too much contact and not enough," he said.

The Utes have had several players leave practice with injuries recently. While none are serious, Whittingham wants to make sure the team is ready to go on Monday when it starts its game preparations.

Safety Quade Chappuis and offensive linemen Sam Brenner, Miles Mason and Vyncent Jones are among the players expected back on the practice field Monday.

Off limits

While others might be gearing up to watch some high school football, the Utes have to stay away from Friday night's games due to NCAA rules. For Whittingham, that means he must miss the coaching debut of his brother, Cary, who is Timpview High's new coach.

The Utah coach called the situation "odd."

"Unfortunately, I don't get to see him play," he said.

Standing out

The linebacker position is one of the most unsettled areas on Utah's team. One of the guys pushing for playing time is Jared Norris. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound freshman snagged an interception in Friday's practice.

He is competing with Travis Still, Jason Whittingham and Dave Fagergren for playing time.

"I am pleased with that group," Whittingham said.

Briefly

Receiver Sean Fitzgerald left practice early Friday with an injured ankle. â¦ Defensive lineman Star Lotulelei missed practice to take care of some "family issues," Whittingham said. â¦ Whittingham said the coaches will decide Friday night how to split up the reps between the quarterbacks.

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